Everton will face off against Brighton for first match at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Premier League fixtures are out, and Everton's home schedule will kick off the 2025/26 season with a historic Hill Dickinson Stadium opener against Brighton & Hove Albion.

This match not only marks the beginning of a new era at Bramley-Moore Dock but also presents a challenging start against a Brighton side that finished above the Toffees in eighth place last season.

It’s a familiar foe, too. Brighton were Everton’s first home opponents in the previous campaign, leaving Goodison Park with a dominant 3-0 victory. The Blues will be eager to flip the script this time and christen their new home with a statement performance.

The Brighton clash will follow Everton’s opening fixture away to Leeds United, which has been rescheduled for Monday, 18 August, to accommodate live coverage on Sky Sports. Given the significance of the first-ever game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, the home match may also be moved to an alternative date or time to cater to heightened interest.

With Everton fans, both local and international, eager to witness this landmark occasion, many of whom won’t be able to secure tickets, the demand for live broadcasts and wider access is expected to be high. The likes of Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville will be sure to put their hands up for the stadium opener and a chance to see the mighty Toffees.

Gameweek 2 marks the historic home opener for Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with Aston Villa and West Ham next in line to experience the electric atmosphere of the club’s new 52,000-seater home. It's set to be a landmark occasion, full of anticipation and excitement as a new chapter begins at Bramley-Moore Dock.

However, the fixture coincides with a major event in the city, International Beatles Week, bringing concerts to The Pier Head and a surge in visitors to Liverpool. This has raised logistical concerns, with questions around the strain on police resources and local travel infrastructure.

Balancing the city's love for music and football will be a test, but it also makes for a weekend full of energy, colour, and global attention.

Let's hope three points will add to the marvelous spectacle we have ahead of us on the weekend on 23 August.